Bathroom sink valves will not turn

Hello

Just closed on a short sale home that was winterized. Im gutting 2 of the bathrooms and for the life of me I cannot turn either of the hot or cold valves under the sink. Strange thing is these valves are in the on position (water flows into the sink). I took a pair of channel lock and cranked on them a bit, but before I go and turn off the water to the house and remove the valves was hoping someone might have an idea. Valve appear to be standard with the t-like handle. Thanks!

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Bathroom sink valves will not turn

If your gutting them then you should be removing the valves anyway and capping the lines so you can remove and install the new sheet rock.
No way would I remodel any bath or kitchen and not install new stops.

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Bathroom sink valves will not turn

Sounds like they seized up or someone soldered them right to the pipe.

Try some pb blaster or wd 40 let it soak for awhile , give it few taps, and try again. Try both directions you may be able to free them. Look for another possible isolation valve. If no luck youll have to turn the house water off and replace them.

Others will be along with more suggestions. Eplumber or bens plumbing probaly will know a few tricks.

Bathroom sink valves will not turn

By that do you mean that the valves are Brasscraft stops similar to these:

If so, you should be aware that you can order metal handles for these valves that might make opening and closing them more do-able.

Contact Brasscraft at 1-800-265-4322 and ask who you can order a pair of metal handles from in your area. Brasscraft's part number for their metal handles is R15-10T C. The C on the end means it's a Chrome plated metal handle as opposed to a plastic handle.

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Bathroom sink valves will not turn

I agree with replacing the valves, but fyi for all, if you have a stop (valve) similar to the one posted by nester, then keep in mind the stem sometimes seizes to the packing. Place a doubled up layer of paper towels or a good rag under the valve, loosen the packing nut, then try to turn the stem. It works for me 90% or the time and then retighten the packing nut after things get some moistur in them, and wallah!!, if no need to change the valve, no need to change the valve.